Arsenal went past Reading FC with much ease to go to the next round of EFL despite Wenger making a host of changes in a bid to give a chance to the youngsters, who stood up to the occasion.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s brace was enough for the Gunners to go through although Arsenal could have netted few more if not for a bit scrappy passing in the attacking third.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Emiliano Martinez (8/ 10) – It seems Wenger has identified his goalkeepers for different tournaments, and the good news is all three are brilliant in their respective platforms. Martinez wasn’t much bothered in the initial stages of the game with Arsenal doing most of the attacks. In the later stage of the second half, he had to make some crucial saves, which Arsenal to play comfortably up front.
Carl Jenkinson (7.5/ 10) – A very welcome sight for Arsenal to see the right flank being covered by the strong built Jenkinson. Was a bit scrappy in few places and struggled to provide crosses in such instances but given that he has just returned from a serious injury, it will soon iron out.
Gabriel (7.5/ 10) – Pretty disciplined defending alongside Holding at the back. A very assuring performance by the Brazilian mean Arsenal’s back line seems well backed up this season.
Rob Holding (8/ 10)- Although Reading didn’t pose much threat on Arsenal’s attacking third except on a few occasions, Holding held the back line excellently and he looks like a promising talent with composure like Mustafi. The occasional bursting up front brought cheers from the Gooners.
Kieran Gibbs (8/ 10) – He went up, he rushed down, he intercepted and captained solidly. Assigning captaincy really brings out the best in him it seems.
Mohamed Elneny (7.5/ 10) – He is one of those players, who doesn’t get noticed that often but is really a key figure in the middle. Similar play last night. Keeping short passes on and looking for through balls whenever possible.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (7.5/ 10) – Partnered Elneny quite well with a good reading of the ball. Made some pleasantly surprising interceptions but hurried to shoot the ball. With a bit more composure, Arsenal have got a good midfielder here.
Alex Iwobi (8/ 10) – His form continued, like in other matches. With him on the ball, you always expect a good pass inside the box. Should have got a goal after his brilliant glimpses. Attempted a rocket with his left foot and the fans gasped.
Jeff Rene-Adelaide (7.5/ 10) – One of Arsenal’s rich talent stuff. He provided some really incisive passes throughout the game and Wenger looks to deploy him more in upcoming games.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (9/ 10) – Always looking to make something happen, the Englishman already has bagged quite some goals despite not being in the starting lineup. His burst of pace really brought apart reading at times. His goals reflect his desire to score.
Lucas Perez (8/ 10) – He needs more game time to prove his mettle. With FA Cup coming up, he is sure to be a regular up front for Arsenal. A very clever player, he lacked passes from the back. Unlucky not to get a goal.
Olivier Giroud (8/ 10) – Forced a brilliant save from the Reading keeper. More match time will bring him into sharpness but his one-two remains slick as ever.
